Rebuilding Momentum: What the Latest GBTA Research Reveals About the Future of Business Travel

After years of uncertainty and adaptation, the business travel industry is regaining confidence — and transforming fast.

The latest GBTA Business Travel Outlook Poll reveals an optimistic, forward-looking sector where patterns, policies, and technologies are evolving in real time. For Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and suppliers, the research offers valuable clues about what’s next — and where to focus innovation efforts.

At Lokulus, we believe these shifts underscore a simple truth: the next era of travel management belongs to those who can anticipate, personalise, and automate. Here’s what the data tells us, and how forward-thinking TMCs can prepare.

1. Confidence is back — and so is opportunity

43% of business-travel professionals say they feel more optimistic about the industry’s outlook for the remainder of 2025 — a sharp rise from just 28 % in June.

That optimism marks a turning point: after several years of reactive recovery, TMCs are ready to invest in smarter operations, seamless service, and traveller-centric technology.

With confidence rising, now is the moment to unlock efficiency and innovation — not wait another cycle.

2. Trips are getting longer, more complex, and multi-stop

39% of travel buyers report a rise in linked or multi-destination trips. A third say journeys are lasting longer, while shorter day-trips are declining.

The modern business trip is no longer a simple A-to-B. Each journey involves multiple touchpoints, approvals, and suppliers — which can quickly create operational friction.

As itineraries grow in complexity, automation becomes essential. Real-time analytics, intelligent routing, and proactive SLA management keep service seamless, no matter how many moving parts are in play.

3. The rise of “bleisure”: blending business and lifestyle

43% of travel programmes now have defined policies for blended business/leisure travel — and 7 in 10 buyers cite higher employee satisfaction as the result.

The line between business and personal travel continues to blur. Travellers expect the same level of personalisation, flexibility, and experience that they receive as consumers — and they expect it from their corporate travel providers, too.

By automating some manual handling processes, TMCs can deliver a smoother, more personalised experience — leaving more room for focus on purpose, not just the process.

4. Traveller experience and accessibility still have room to grow

While personalisation is rising, accessibility still lags behind. Only 18% of travel buyers say their companies extensively accommodate travellers with accessibility needs — a clear gap and an opportunity for differentiation.

Booking complexity and lack of employee awareness are among the main barriers cited.

Smarter automation isn’t just about speed — it’s about personalisation and inclusion. We’re proud to support travel teams to better understand traveller profiles and needs, ensuring no journey is overlooked or under-supported, and every key detail can be surfaced.

5. Policies tighten as traveller expectations expand

57% of travel policies now restrict the use of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb — yet 43% of employees admit to occasionally paying out-of-pocket to upgrade their travel experience.

The gap between policy and expectation is widening, creating friction for both travellers and TMCs trying to balance compliance with satisfaction.

Workflow automation technology can bridge this divide — combining rule-based compliance with flexible, human-centred automation. The result: happier travellers and confident policy owners.

6. AI adoption accelerates — but integration remains key

Nearly half of suppliers and TMCs (49 %) and one-third of buyers (33%) say their companies are already experimenting with autonomous AI. Top use cases include customer service, traveller personalisation, and automated itinerary planning.

Yet barriers remain — especially around data privacy, integration, and security.

The future of travel tech isn’t about chasing hype. It’s about applying trusted AI where it matters most — inside secure, connected ecosystems that deliver measurable results. Lokulus enables exactly that: AI-powered workflows that enhance, not replace, the human touch.

Bringing it all together

Across every insight, a single theme emerges: business travel is no longer just about movement — it’s about meaning.

Travellers want experiences that fit their needs and values. Buyers need visibility and control. And suppliers must find ways to deliver both efficiently and intelligently.

With AI-driven automation, real-time analytics, and connected workflows, Lokulus helps TMCs bridge that gap — freeing teams to deliver faster, more personal, and more confident service.

Because when technology takes care of the noise, there’s finally more time for what matters.

Source: GBTA Business Travel Outlook Poll, October 2025.
Learn more about how Lokulus helps TMCs embrace the next era of travel: lokulus.com/travel